Skin Cancer

Overview

The most common type of cancer is skin cancer that forms in tissues of the skin. Melanoma, a deadliest form of skin cancer, is more common among people between 25 and 29 years old. This disease generally develops in the outermost layer of the skin. This helps in identifying skin cancer in the early stages. While most skin cancer affects only the skin that shows the growth, some skin cancers can spread to other parts of the body and can even be deadly.

Types

You can find three types of skin cancer:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma - Makes up about 90% of all skin cancers and usually appears as a translucent spot or sore that doesn't go away. This type of skin cancer will typically only grow in the basal cell layer and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, which may turn more destructive and disfiguring.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma - Can be found in the squamous cells of the body like those in the skin and organ linings, as well as the digestive and respiratory tracts. This cancer on the skin starts out as a rough, dry scaly spot that won't heal.
• Melanoma - Type of cancer that forms in the cells that cause the pigment in the skin. These cells can also lead to the growth of moles and moles that changes shape or color.

Symptoms

A new growth of any kind on the skin, a mole that changes color or a scaly spot that bleeds is some of the general symptoms. Basal cell carcinoma might show a raised, smooth, pearly bump on the sun-exposed skin of the head, neck or shoulders. Squamous cell carcinoma will look red and show a thickened patch on sun-exposed skin. Melanomas are generally brown to black looking lesions.

Causes/Risk Factors

Sun exposure without sunscreen is one of the greatest indicators of risk for skin cancer. Anyone who has tanned extensively or been sunburned is at increased risk of skin cancer particularly those with fair skin or those who have ever blistered from a sunburn. You need to be careful if you had skin cancer before and also if your close relative with skin cancer is being treated with anti-rejection drugs.

Tests/Diagnosis

Generally, doctors suggest a monthly self-exam, especially if you have a previous history of skin cancer. Its stage is determined by the depth of the lesion into the skin and by knowing whether it has spread or not. A biopsy is required to confirm suspicion of skin cancer. The spot will be removed and the tissues will be examined under a microscope. Usually the spot can be removed in a doctor's office with local anesthesia, but larger spots might just have part removed for examination.

Treatment

The treatment for skin cancer varies depending on which type of cancer it is. In almost every case, the cancer is removed along with surrounding tissues that are affected. If the cancer is in an area that makes it difficult to remove surgically, radiation can be used to shrink the lesion. Chemotherapy and radiation can be used to fight skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.